Paul Kevin Volz

Paul Kevin Volz passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home with his husband Dennis holding his hand and singing softly to him. Paul was born in Lynwood California, the son of the late Milton Volz and Faun Jackson Volz. Paul graduated from Coquille High School in Coquille, Oregon and went to St. Mary’s College in Maryland.

During the first half of his life, Paul enjoyed living in many different areas of the United States, from California on the West Coast to Texas in the middle of the country to Maryland on the east coast. Paul’s travel came to a halt in 1996, when he met the love of his life, Dennis Gmerek. Together they made a home in downtown Aiken but eventually moved to the country “estate” of Hurricane Hills in 2000. There Paul found great joy in the peace and tranquility of country living. Most importantly, Paul and Dennis became the “parents” to many fur babies who, for the most part, just wandered up the driveway.

After college, Paul was primarily employed in the hospitality industry in the hotel business. Paul’s outgoing personality suited him well for this work! He worked at or managed a number of properties in the CSRA to include the Partridge Inn in Augusta, GA., the Wilcox Inn, Holiday Inn Expresses in Aiken and finally the Hotel Aiken as the last general manager. In addition, Paul was also the volunteer coordinator of the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons and worked for the Salvation Army as the shelter manager.

Paul enjoyed travel with his husband that took them throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. One of their favorite activities during their travels was to geocaching, an adventure that perfectly matched Paul’s curiosity and playful spirt. Paul was the proud owner of the “Cliffs of Cache” Geocache in Hitchcock Woods.

In addition to being survived by his husband, Dennis Gmerek, Paul is survived by three maternal aunts, Dawnetta Bolaris, Rhea Stevens and Carolyn Gifford, uncle Stanton Jackson along with a host of cousins. Paul is also survived by his three current fur babies, Buster, Houston and Savannah and many treasured friends.

Those who knew Paul will remember his quick wit, his kind heart and his remarkable ability to make people laugh. He will be sorely missed and forever cherished by those whose lives were brightened by his presence.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation, may do so to Friends of the Aiken Animal Shelter “FOTAS” (www.fotasaiken.org), or the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Person, Inc. (www.cumbeecenter.org).

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC